Bermagui Waterhole handed over to Yuin people

Tucked away just up river from the Bermagui River Bridge, a waterhole with important Aboriginal heritage was handed over to the Yuin people last week.

The waterhole, known to Aboriginal people for many generations, was listed when the NSW government began in the 1970's to identify sites that are important to Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Now surrounded by new urban development, the waterhole has survived largely due to the work done back then by Yuin elder Guboo Ted Thomas, and Ray Kelly, the first Aboriginal person to be employed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Thirty years later, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people came to the waterhole to celebrate the hand-over, including Bermagui's Primary School children who walked to the site from across the river, each with a chair in hand.

The Gulaga dancers performed, and Yuin elders, together with children from the school, planted trees across the site. (See the videos of the dances.)

The day began with a welcome to country from Harold Harrison, and an introduction by Paul House, Manager Southern Aboriginal Heritage Region, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

Paul House explained the archaeological and historical associations, and the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

"Local elders like Uncle Guboo Ted Thomas and others have worked since the 1970's to ensure that these cultural and spiritual values are acknowledged and protected under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act.

"The waterhole is associated with a nearby midden, and a burial site. Its part of the stories that the old people used to tell, very powerful creation stories.

"Today is about finding common ground in the spirit of reconciliation to protect this very important site. It's about sharing this heritage with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, it's a shared heritage."

The importance of the work done over the last 30 years to preserve the site was emphasised by the building activity that continued through the day in new housing developments on all sides, the sounds of construction activity merging with that of the traditional dances.

One by one, Yuin elders, each together with two Bermagui schoolchildren, planted a tree.

Graham Moore, also from DECC explained that, "The beauty of this place is that it's right in the middle of town. The stories are to do with Gulaga and Biamunga. When people did their traditional business in the mountains this was one of the first places that they came to. To rejuvenate. Fresh water and plenty of food about. Swimming in the waterhole, and lying in the sands."

"Our people are a beautiful people," said Harold Harrison, " A very spiritual people, in a very spiritual place.

"Our history is so important to our people. And it's important to everyone because it's the history of our country, Australia."

Harold was "taken away" from his family when he was 6, not long after his mother died. He recently heard from another boy who was taken away at the same time. Harold now knows this boy is his nephew and they will soon meet again for the first time since the late 1940's when "the welfare took us to the children's home".

"I believe today was very special because Bermagui's school children took part. They are the future. And to be able to plant a tree with the little ones! It was a beautiful day."

Paul House played the didgeridoo at the 'welcome to country ceremony' for the recent sitting of the current parliament, the first time an Aboriginal welcoming ceremony has been done for a new Australian parliament. His mother, Matilda House-Williams led the welcome to country. On the following day both were observers at the apology to the stolen generations. Paul clearly feels deeply about the honour of their participation and the significance of those two days.

At the Bermagui celebration he said, "We are all indigenous to planet Earth. The representation by the Bermagui school children was very important. They are the future. We are able to nurture young minds and provide good values, and respect for our elders. We must ensure that younger generations are involved so we can give them ownership and responsibility, and share in that transfer of knowledge."

Graham Moore emphasised this point, "Children are our future. Black, white or green, it doesn't matter, as long as we can come together as a community and manage places in a way that our children's children can understand and honour our heritage."

The work ahead now is to restore the waterhole. "Plans are to clean out the bull rushes that aren't native and restore the fresh water spring. Today we planted native trees and bush tuckers," said Graham.

For more information about Gulaga and the Yuin people see this story as told by Gulaga dancer, Warren Foster: Gulaga